Carlton: I push Danny so hard because the boy is great! He has the same gift that his grandfather had, and that I had, too. He loves the mound—he loves the game. Naomi: Are you sure he loves it, sir? Carlton: Of course he does. Why else would he be so good? Naomi: You can go pretty far on a push. Carlton: I think I know what you’re trying to imply, and you’re wrong. Danny loves the game.
Next Scene
Narrator 1: It’s the top of the fourth inning, and Danny is on the mound. The Titans lead 2-0. Narrator 2: But by the top of the sixth, Titans lead 2-1. Carlton: Curveball! Narrator 3: Danny shakes his head, but Carlton gives a short nod and gestures for him to do it. Narrator 1: Danny throws a weak pitch, and the batter hits a line drive to center. One runner scores, and then another. Carlton: What are you doing?! For crying out loud, boy, throw like you mean it! Narrator 2: Danny sighs, trying—and failing—to block out the sound of his dad’s shouts. By the bottom of the sixth, the Titans are losing 3-2. The other team has a runner on third. Danny: Dad, take me out. Put Josh in. Carlton: No way! I’ll lose this game with you on the mound before I’ll put that scrawny kid in. Narrator 3: On the side, Josh hangs his head. Danny: Dad. Listen to me. I’m not going to be able to win this game. We have a shot with Josh! Carlton: Danny, what aren’t you getting here? YOU CAN WIN THIS! Danny: Josh, get out here! You’re coming in. Carlton: Josh, sit down. You’re not pitching. Danny’s finishing the game. Narrator 1: Danny takes off his glove and sets it on the mound. He turns and walks confidently off of the mound, up to his dad. Carlton: What’s the matter with you? Danny: It’s you, Dad. The yelling. I can’t pitch with you yelling at me anymore. Carlton: Yes, you can. The yelling is what you need to pull through! You’ll finish this game! Narrator 2: Danny just looks at his dad, and gives a tiny shake of his head. Carlton sighs, frustrated. He grabs Danny’s arm and yanks him back to the mound, and forcefully shoves the glove back onto the boy’s hand. Narrator 3: Danny looks at Josh, and his eyes seem to apologize. With his dad standing right there, ready to grab Danny’s arm and do whatever he needs to do to get his boy to pitch, Danny has no choice but to do what his coach wants. Narrator 1: He pulls back his arm, and throws as best he can, but…the batter swings, and connects with the ball. The runner on third makes it through to home, and the other team wins. Carlton: Danny! WHAT WERE YOU DOING OUT THERE?! Now we’re not going to the finals, and it’s YOUR fault! Narrator 2: The rest of the team crowds around Danny, comforting him. Josh: Next year, guys! Narrator 3: The team scatters to meet their rides and go home. Danny walks to his car, and his dad gets in. They ride home in stony silence. Themes: Stubbornness and inability to see the truth. Alternate ending Jack Collins. Narrator 1: the count is 1 ball and 0 strikes Narrator 2: Danny throws another ball Carlton: bad throw Danny: dang it Narrator 1: Danny looks up to see his mother and Naomi looking at him very intensely Narrator 2: Danny throws a fast ball Narrator 1: it was a strike’ Danny: Yay! Narrator 2: Danny winds up to throw another pitch Narrator 1: it was a ball. Narrator 2: Danny silently cursed to himself Narrator 1: the count was full, and Danny felt the pressure. Carlton: come on Danny! Stop being a failure! Narrator 1: Danny then snapped. Narrator 2: Danny set down his glove, and walked off the field, all the way home, sat down and drank all the sparkling apple juice in the house, threw up and passed out on the couch.
Sara Ritze 3
4/6/11
Scene: Car ride to the game. Carlton is driving and Danny is in the passenger’s seat neat next to him.
Carlton: Now son, I want you to not cry to me about your arm. Like I always say you have to play through your pain if you want to be the best
Narrator: Danny just sat quietly as they drove. 10 minutes later they arrived.
Scene: The baseball field, it is really hot and the whole team is waiting for Danny.
Danny: Hey guys
Josh: Hey Danny are you pumped for our first game?
Danny: I guess so.
Narrator: The game begins, they were in the bottom of the 9th the titans were leading 9-8. The other team was batting they had 2 outs and the boy batting had 1 strike. 2 more strikes and they will win and the game will be over,
Danny: Coach! My shoulder is giving me some trouble. Put josh in
Carlton/coach: 2more pitches Danny like I said in the car, play with pain come on!
Narrator: Danny pitched
Umpire: BALL ONE!
Carlton: Danny what are you doing! Let’s go now,
Narrator: Danny was annoyed and you could see it on his face, He pitched again.
Umpire: BALL TWO! Carlton: oh my lord son. What was that you are throwing like a 2 year old lets go.
Katie: Carlton ease up on the kid.
Carlton/Coach: If I do he will lose the game for us!
Danny: Us dad we are winning this game for you it has always been about you. I don’t enjoy this sport anymore because of you and I am done,
Narrator: Danny dropped his glove and stomped off the field and walked over to Naomi.
Danny: Wanna go get some pizza now?
Naomi: I would but I would like to finish watching this game.
Narrator: Danny looked shocked that she would still want to watch this train wreck of a baseball game.
Naomi added: I’m a journalist, I have to,
Narrator: Relief ran upon Danny’s face as he sat and watched. Josh was at the pitcher’s mound, it seemed like he was the only one on the field. Carlton was sitting in the dugout is disbelief and shock. Thinking how could I have let myself do this. Josh pitched.
Umpire: BALL THREE!
Josh mumbling to himself: come on
Danny and Naomi: come on, come on!
Narrator: even Carlton looked nervous as he watched and thought about his actions… Josh pitched.
Umpire: STTTTRIKE TWO!
Narrator: The whole crowd moved to the edge of their seats they knew this could either be the last pitch of the season or the first pitch of the championship, Josh Pitched. Umpire: STTTTRIKE THREE YOU’RE OUT!!!
Narrator: The crowd went crazy and everyone on the field and in the dugout ran to Josh and hugged and congratulated him.
Danny: YES!
Narrator: Than Danny saw Carlton approaching. He wanted to run away but he stayed.
Carlton: Danny, I know I was wrong and I shouldn’t have been so hard on you I just want the best for you.
Danny: You mean you want what you want. I don’t want this. I am not playing in the Disney World game.
Carlton: I understand I was a fault here and I am sorry.
Danny: It’s alright.
Narrator: The father and son hugged it out.
Danny: Dad?
Carlton: yes?
Danny: Can I still go to Disney world?
Carlton: haha sure.
AlterNet ending claire greve
Danny: I need some relief Carlton: Come on Danny one more out Danny: just put Josh in he can do it Carlton: Get in there boy and get him out Narr1: Danny walks out to the mound holding his arm Narr2: Danny looks up at his mom then winds up for a fast ball; he releases the ball and falls to the ground. Danny: OwwwDAD! Narr1: Carlton runs out to the field and is calling for Grace then she runs from the crowd they call an ambulance Danny: It’s my arm it hurts so bad it feels broken Carlton: I know son I’m sorry I didn’t listen to you it will not happen again. Grace: here comes the ambulance come on Danny u can get up Narr1: Danny stands up and the crowd stands with him clapping and cheering “go Danny go!”. Narr2: Danny wipes the tears from his face and smiles.
New Ending
Sam Tegtmeyer
Narrator 3: It’s the top of the ninth inning now, Danny’s back on the mound. The Titans still have the lead 4 to 3.
Narrator 1: Two outs, and a runner on 2nd
Narrator 2: Danny throws a fastball high and to the left, ball.
Carlton: That’s a pitch? What the heck’s the matter with you, Danny?
Narrator 3: Carlton signs for a curveball, but Danny doesn’t listen.
Narrator 2: Danny throws a change-up and the batter swings and misses. Strike one.
Carlton: Listen to what I say don’t do whatever you feel like!
Narrator 2: Danny winds up and throws a fastball down the center the batter doesn’t swing. Strike two.
Crowd: Go Danny!
Narrator 2: Danny winds up for a fourth time and throws a change-up which drops at the last minute. The batter swings and misses. Strike three. Danny wins the game.
Narrator 1: Danny is picked up by his teammates and his carried off field.
Narrator 2: When Danny is set down he suddenly collapses and faints from pain and fatigue is brought to a hospital.
Danny: Where am I’?
Katie: You’re at the hospital; you collapsed from dehydration and exhaustion.
Carlton: You won’t be pitching for the next game because I have been overworking you.
Katie: and…
Carlton: I’m sorry for treating you that way I just wanted you to do what I couldn’t.
Narrator 1: Naomi rushes into the room.
Naomi: You okay?
Danny: I’m fine still up for that date I think I deserve a little tofu.
Naomi: Anytime.
Theme: Perseverance, Danny pitches in the game until he collapses.
Madison Kenney Per 3 Team 8-5
Narr 3: It’s the top of the ninth inning now, and Danny’s back on the mound. The Titans still lead 4 to 3 Narr 1: Two outs one runner on. Narr 2: Danny winds up hurls a fastball – and hit the batter. Carlton: what was that I think I could but out my grandma and she could throw better. Narr 3: Danny look and the run and then see the coach tell Josh to warm up Josh: Yes sir. Narr 1: Josh grabs Billy Bob off the bench to warm him up Narr2: The batter walk up slow looking and the score knowing he need to a great hit to get a runner home. He looks to his coach and the coach is giving him the signs he sees the sign it was hit away. Carlton: Get your head in this game or I pulling you out. Narr 2: Danny is throwing. First one strike and the next one is a ball Narr 1: The next hit a going in to the gap in between right field and center Narr 3: The game is now tied Danny’s dad is heading to the mound Danny: Take me out now. Dad I don’t have enough power to throw Carlton: No I am keeping you in this game I know you have enough power come Danny: Fine, I will stay in. Carlton: Good all we need it one out Danny: Fine, now go away dad Narr 2: Danny throws the ball, Strike Narr 1: Next throw one ball strike Narr 3: STIKE 3!!! Umpire: You’re out! Narr 2: Game over the Loins wins! Lions are going to Florida. Carlton: Thanks Danny we lost Danny: Can we still go to Florida Carlton: No are you kidding me we are not going to Florida we lost the game for us.
Sarah Draper
Alternate Ending:
Scene 11:
Narrator 1: It’s the top of the ninth inning now, and Danny is back on the mound. The Titans still lead 4-3. Two outs. One runner on. Danny winds up, hurls a fastball and hits the batter.
Carlton: What was that!? Throw like you want it, son!
Narr 3: Danny bows his head as the runner takes first. He tries to focus, but can’t put his heart in it. He doesn’t seem to care.
Narr 2: The next batter steps up and crouches low to shrink the strike zone.
Carlton: Get your head in the game, Danny! What are you doing?
Narr 3: Danny looks up to his dad, then his mom, then Naomi, and finally back to the batter.
Narr 1: He winds up and throws a curve ball! CRACK!
Narr 2: Danny collapsed to the ground. Crowd gasps
Carlton: SON! Are you okay? Oh no, not the arm!
Danny: I think I broke something…
Carlton: Somebody call an ambulance!
Katie: Danny, Danny, are you okay?
Carlton: He’ll be okay. It’s his elbow. The sooner we get him to the hospital the better. I can hear the ambulance now.
Scene 12:
Narr 3: The family rides to the hospital behind the ambulance with Naomi.
Naomi: Is he going to be okay, sir? This is going to make front page, for sure!
Carlton: He will hopefully be fine.
Katie: Let’s just hope for the best.
Doctor: Hello, Mr. Somers, I’m Dr. Smith and I have just taken a couple x-rays of your son’s arm. It seems he has fractured his right elbow.
Carlton: Thank you, Doctor. What will you have to do?
Doctor: He will have a cast for 3-6 weeks then a big brace for even longer. He will go to therapy for 5-6 months as well.
Katie: Oh my gosh, I didn’t realize it was this bad.
Doctor: It sounds worse than it actually is, Mrs. Somers.
Katie: Oh, thank goodness.
Narr 1: Naomi’s parents call and need her home, so Katie Somers takes her.
Narr 3: Carlton stays with his son and talks to the Doctor. Dr. Smith says that Danny will stay overnight for observation and then can leave in the morning.
Carlton: Okay Danny, we will see you in the morning.
Danny: Bye Dad!
By: Daniel Luddeke
Strike Alternative Ending Narrator 1: It was the Top of the 9th inning and Danny was at the mound pitching. The batter had 1 strike and 1 ball and there were already 2 outs. Carlton: “Come on Danny bring this guy back to the dugout!” “Come on pitch the ball already” Narrator 2: Carlton made the sign for a curveball and that is what Danny threw. Umpire: “Strike 2!” Carlton: “Good, Good now get the third strike and we are on our way to Florida!” Danny: “I think we should give josh a turn at the mound; my arm is killing me any way!” Carlton: “Danny just tough it out!” Danny: “No, let him pitch or I am leaving!” Carlton “Fine, Come on out josh and pitch us to Florida!” Narrator 1: Josh runs out onto the mound and Danny gives him a high five. The game was 4 to 5 (One player on 3rd) and the crowd/players were on their feet. Josh winds up throws the ball and it is a ball. Aaron and Carlton: “Come on Josh what was that!” Josh: “I’ve got this, I have a good feeling!” Narrator 2: Josh steps back, winds his arm ready to throw a fastball and throws away. The batter smacks it with the bat and the opposing team gets a home run, making the score 6 to 5. Josh strikes out the next player and the Titans go up to bat. The opposing team strikes 3 players out without 1 person even reaching first base, the titans had lost the big game. Josh: “You guys must think I am the worst player ever!” Danny and the rest of the team: “No, this was a team effort and it was all of our faults and we all lost, not just you.” Josh: “Thanks guys for being understanding.” Narrator 2: Carlton and Aaron walk over from chatting and begin to talk to the team. Carlton: “Way to go Josh you lost the big game for all of us, and you to Danny if it wasn’t for your demands we never would have had this happen and…” Narrator 2: Aaron interrupted Carlton. Aaron: “This was a team effort Carlton; do not criticize each player for what they did wrong. They played an amazing game and we as a team just messed up a bit toward the end, good job to the entire team!” Carlton: “You know what, I am sorry Josh and Danny, Aaron is right, you all played and amazing game and it was a team effort. I am very proud of you all, way to go.”
Zach Von Holle Scene 9 Narrator 2: It was the morning of the game. When Danny woke up and he got ready for the game Carlton: Are you ready for the game? Danny: Yes!
Scene 10: Narrator: when they got to the game every one was warming up. Danny was throwing with Josh. Danny hurt his arm really bad. Danny: Dad I can’t pitch today. I hurt my arm really bad. You have to put Josh in. Carlton: No! You are pitching no matter what. Narrator: So the game stared and Carlton made Danny pitch. After the third inning the Titans were down 3 to 1. Danny: Dad I can’t pitch anymore you have to put Josh in. Carlton: No you are pitching! Danny: Josh, go get warmed up Josh: Ok! Narrator: The next inning came and Danny would not go out on the mound and pitch. So Carlton was forced to put Josh in Carlton: Come on Josh let’s go! Narrator: the ninth inning came and the Titans were up by 1 run and Josh was pitching a great game. It was the last batter of the game. The winning run was up to bat. Josh threw a curveball and the kid hit a fly ball towards center and the center fielder was running to get it and he dove and caught it the Titans won Carlton: Wow, Josh really can throw Danny: Yes Carlton: sorry I should have listened to you Josh: Danny, thanks for letting me pitch Danny: No problem.
STRIKE! (Rewritten) By: Brett Schubert Danny: I’m pretty excited for the game. What about you, dad? Carlton: Yeah son. I think we might pull a win out of this game if you play your hardest. Danny: So are you ready to go? Carlton: Yep, let’s go son. Danny: is it ok if Naomi comes with? Carlton: Is Naomi that girl that watches all of our games and practices? Danny: Yeah, that girl. Carlton: That’s fine. Narrator 1: As they approach the field to get ready for the game, Carlton and Danny noticed Naomi standing there on the sideline. Danny: Hey Naomi. I really didn’t think you would show up. Naomi: Yeah. I decided to come and root the Titans on. Danny: Well I have to go. See you later. Carlton: Alright boys. We have to win this game. This is one of the biggest games of our lives. We will go to Florida for the national championship if we try our best and win. Team: Yes sir. We’ll win. Narrator 2: Danny steps on the mound for the first pitch and throws a curveball for a strike. As he keeps the pace of good pitching, he ends the inning. Narrator 3: By the 4th inning, the Titans are in the lead 2-0. The Titans opponent is not looking too good so far in the game. Carlton: Let’s go Danny. If you keep this up, we’ll be heading to Florida in no time. Narrator 1: Danny seemed a bit tense standing up on the mound with his dad screaming at him the whole time. In the 6th inning, the Titans are able to push the lead up to 3-0. Carlton: Atta boy Danny. This is how you play the game! Narrator 2: Danny begins to get very tired as he thought 6 innings felt like 6 months. Danny: Come on Danny, you can do this. I know a power hitter is up to bat, but all you have to do is keep it low and away to keep him thinking. Narrator 1: The power hitter Greg for the opposing team hit a shot to left-center field that went at least 50 feet over the fence. Narrator 2: This home run put the score to 3-1 Titans. Josh: Come on Danny. All you have to do is pitch away so they can’t get a homerun like that last hit. In the bottom of the 9th, the opposing team was up to bat. Narrator 3: The first pitch happened to be a single to left-center field. The next batter was up; Johnny. This boy is a very strong hitter. Narrator 1: CRACK! He nails a base hit that knocked the man on second to 3rd base. Carlton: Danny! What are you doing? This is insane. Get your act together. Narrator 2: STEERRRRRIIIKKKKEEEEE 1!! STEERRRRRIIIKKKKEEEEE 2! The count is 0 and 2 and all of the pressure is on Danny for this last pitch. Carlton: Stay focused. That’s all that matters. Narrator 3: Danny throws a fast curve right down the line and CRACK! The star hitter for the opposing team hits a smash to deep center field and it was a HOME RUN! Carlton: Come on Danny! Way to go! You just lost the game for the team! Narrator 2: The opposing team has won the game and is moving on to Florida for the National championship. That’s just too bad for the Titans. THE END
Strike By Jack Justice
My new ending to this story would start before they go to the last game.
Scene 10
Narrator 1: Danny and his father were about to leave when suddenly Danny finally got the courage to speak up to his dad.
Danny: Dad, I love you but I really don’t like baseball. It’s not my dream to go to the big league. I don’t want to go on any longer. Dad I’m not going to the baseball game today Mom, Naomi, and me are all going to go to the movies. Tell Josh to fill in for me. Have fun at the game dad I’m sorry.
Carlton: no Danny, I’m sorry I didn’t know you didn’t love baseball. You could have just told me. I would have understood
Danny: I should have but I was scared.
Carlton: Son, you can tell me anything. Alright, you have fun at the movie; tell me all about it when you get home.
Danny: I will and thanks Dad.
Narrator 2: Then the both parted. Danny climbed into his mother’s car and Danny’s dad slid in his. Then they drove off.
THE END
The point of my ending was he should have told his dad earlier and before the game.
Angel Spanos
New Ending
Narr 3: It’s the top of the ninth inning now, and Danny’s back on the mound. The Titans still lead 4 to 3.
Narr 1: Two outs. One runner on.
Narr 2: Danny winds up, hurls a fastball-and hits the batter.
Carlton: That’s a pitch? What the heck’s the matter with you, Danny?
Narr 3: Danny bows his head as the runner takes first. Coach Aaron turns to Josh.
Aaron: Go warm up your arm, just in case.
Narr 1: Josh grabs a player and starts throwing pitches.
Narr 2: The next batter steps up and crouches low to shrink the strike zone.
Carlton: Get your head back in the game.
Narr 3: Danny winds up for the pitch and delivers a fastball, low and away. Ball one.
Carlton: Come on, already!
Narr 1: Danny reads the call from Tyler. Curveball. He winds up and throws…strike!
Carlton: There you go.
Narr 2: And right away, another strike.
Crowd: Go, Danny!
Narr 3: One ball, tow strikes. Danny’s next pitch is a dud.
Carlton: What do you call that? A dirt ball?
Narr1: Danny sighs. All the energy is drained from his arm, and drained from his heart, too.
Narr 2: He winds up and lets fly a changeup. High and to the right. Ball three.
Carlton: Are you giving them the game?
Katie: Ease up on him, Carlton! He’s doing his best.
Carlton: I’ve coached the boy since he was a baby. I know what he needs to hear. Buckle down, Danny. Let’s win this.
Narr 3: The count is full. Two outs. Runners at first and second. Danny looks at the batter. He looks at his father.
Narr 1: Then he looks up into the stands. He sees Naomi. And he sees his mom.
Narr 2: He looks from his mom to his dad and back again. She shakes her head, an apology for all the times she didn’t come.
Carlton: Let’s go, Danny. Ice this game!
Narr 3: Danny steps to the mound, but then he steps back.
Carlton: What the heck’s he doing?
Aaron: I think he wants to talk.
Narr 1: Carlton stomps out onto the field and up to Danny. He motions with his hands as if to say, what gives?
Danny: I need some relief.
Carlton: One more out, Danny. Then you’re done.
Danny: Bring Josh in. Let him close.
Carlton: This is your moment. You can tough it out. Play through the pain.
Danny: It’s not just my arm.
Carlton: What are you talking about?
Danny: It’s you. The yelling. I can’t pitch anymore.
Carlton: I’ll lower my coaching, just finish the game.
Danny: Dad, I’m asking you to pull me out. Put Josh in.
Carlton: No. One good pitch, Danny. One good pitch takes the team to the nationals. Now dig down and find it.
Narr 2: Carlton turns away from Danny and heads back to the dugout.
Narr 3: Danny heads back to the mound, lightly holding his arm.
Narr 1: Danny gets ready to make the pitch, and then using all he has left in him he throws the last ball, and strike!
Narr 2: The Titans win the game! But Danny doesn’t look ok; instead he is now gripping his arm tightly.
Narr 3: Carlton runs out to meet his son in deep pain.
Carlton: What’s the matter with you? We just won the game!
Danny: It’s my arm. I can barely move it.
Narr 1: Danny is taken to the hospital, and realizes he has pulled the muscles in his arm, and badly enough that he now needs surgery.
Narr 2: After the procedure Danny goes through extensive therapy to use his arm again.
Carlton: Hey, you’re doing great; you can get back into baseball soon.
Danny: No, Dad, I’m never playing again. Jamie Haas Alternate Ending Scene 11: Narrator 1: It’s the bottom of the ninth inning. The Titans are in the field, up by 3. Danny is on the pitcher’s mound. Carlton: Come on Danny! Just 2 more strikes on this batter! Danny: Dad I don’t think I can pitch anymore. Put Josh In please! My shoulders going to blow out. Carlton: No, Danny, we’re 2 batters away from winning just suck it up! You’ll be fine. Narrator 2: Danny was fed up with his dad, and decided to walk off the field. As he walked into the dugout, he handed his glove to Josh. Danny: Make me proud, Josh. Carlton: What are you doing Danny! Get back in the game! Danny: No, Dad, I told you, my arm is going to blow out. Narrator 3: Josh sat on the bench for a little bit. Then he walked on to the field and warmed up. When the next batter came in the box, STRIKE! STRIKE! STRIKE! Umpire: BATTER’S OUT! Danny: Great job, Josh! Just one more batter! Narrator 4: The last batter came in to the box, Josh had another strike out. The Titans won the game!
Biz Imm
Scene 11 Narr 3: It’s the 9th inning and the titans still lead. Narr 1: Danny goes to throw his first pitch of the inning. He releases the ball and the crowd gasped when the batter hit the ball straight into left field. Carlton: You better catch that ball Clay. Narr 2: A sigh went through the crowd. The outfielder missed it and now the batter was on 3rd. Carlton: What kind of throw was that Danny? Danny: Sorry dad I’ll try harder on the next one. Narr 3: The next batter stepped up to the plate. Narr 1: Danny threw the ball as best as he could. Umpire: Strike 1. Carlton: That’s better Danny. Narr 2: The crowd went wild. Narr 3: Danny threw 3 more balls. Carlton: Let’s go Danny. Don’t give up on us now. Narr 1: Danny threw one more ball. The batter walked. You could see the pain Danny was going through just by looking at him. Narr 2: Third and first both have people on it. No outs. Narr 3: After 5 minutes of terrible pitching and 2 runs Carlton finally goes to talk to Danny. Carlton: What is wrong with you this whole thing is ruined. Danny: Put Josh in. I can’t pitch anymore. Carlton: No suck it up. Narr 1: After Carlton left the mound the batter hit it right to the outfield. The outfielder caught it. It looked like things were going to better. Only 2 more outs. Narr 2: Finally they got another out when the batter hit it to the first baseman. One out to go. Narr 3: Now the score it 4 to 5 the other team took the lead. Narr 1: Danny released the ball. The batter swung the bat. The bat hit the ball and went straight for Danny, and he caught it. The crowd went wild. Carlton: That’s how you do it Danny. Narr 2: The whole team piled on top of Danny in celebration. Carlton: All you need to do is make 2 runs. Can you handle that? Narr 3: The whole team cheered. The titans were at bat. They had a 1 2 3 inning and lost.
Reworked ending By: Dante Marcon
Narrator: it’s the morning of the big game and Danny has folded the laundry. Katie walks into the dining room as Danny has left for the game. As she enters she finds the pleasant surprise of folded laundry.
Narrator: It’s the top of the fourth and Danny is on the mound titans up 2-0. Two outs two on, No balls and a strike. Danny throws a change up the batter swings. Strikeeeee two the umpire calls. For a faint moment he hears a familiar voice cheering from the crowd, Katie. Narrator: he looks up and sees his mom take a seat in the sea of people as she smiles at him. Danny’s next pitch is a fast ball that zooms by the batter. Strikeeee three the umpire yells. Narrator it’s the top of the sixth the titans lead 2-1 with one out with a runner on first and third Tyler relays the call from his dad. It’s a curve ball. Danny tries to say no but reluctantly gives up to Tyler and his dads demands. Narrator: it’s a weak pitch which allows a line drive to center a runner scores and another makes it to third when Danny gets the ball and holds him there Coach: start throwing like I know you can! Narrator: it’s the top of the ninth 3-2 titans holding to their lead. One runner on second and Danny throws a weak fastball and the batter cracks it out to left field for a home run. After the play Danny is rushed to the hospital his arm is severely damaged. Danny’s dad runs in to the hospital room to talk to Danny. Danny’s dad: Danny I’m so sorry I pushed you that hard; I just wanted a better life for you. Danny: I know dad. Narrator: Danny forgave his dad but couldn’t play baseball for the rest of the school year; Danny and his dad have never been closer.
THE REWRITE! By: Jack Wantz
Plot- Danny, who is a very talented pitcher for his baseball team, is pushed to the limits by his father, who yells at him and never gives him a break. So in an important game, he refuses to pitch in the 9th inning and lets his friend pitch. This game takes place in the Nation Finals in Las Vegas, Nevada. Carlton: DANNY!!!! I swear if you don’t strike this kid out, you are grounded for a month! Narrator: Danny throws his first pitch, it’s a ball Danny: ARE YOU SERIOUS UMP! That was a strike Umpire: Shut up and play the game kid Carlton: Let’s go Danny Narrator: Danny catches the ball and when he goes into his windup, he feels a pop! He calls time Danny: Dad, I felt a pop. I can’t pitch anymore; I am playing with too much pain Carlton: Well to bad. We will give you medicine later. Narrator: Danny shakes his head a walks back to the plate. He winds up and throws the ball, but his elbow and shoulder both pop and he yells in pain. Danny: OW!!!!!!! Narrator: But the pitch is slow and the batter hits the ball with all his might. The ball is a line drive and hits Danny in the head and he blacks out. Danny wakes up in the hospital an hour later. Danny: What happened? Carlton: You lost the game for us. The Doctor says you dislocated your elbow and shoulder, and you have dehydration and a concussion. Narrator: Naomi walks into the room Naomi: Well, I don’t think you will be playing baseball for a long buddy boy Danny: No way. I am never playing again. NEVER EVER! Carlton: Whatever Danny, I never want to see you again! Narrator: Carlton runs out of the room and drives away in the car Danny: I am going back to bed. Good Night Naomi: Alright Danny, have a nice sleep Narrator: As Danny falls asleep, Naomi reaches out and squeezes his hand and then Danny squeezes back, right before he falls into a very relaxing sleep
Alternate Ending
By Anna Moorhead
Carlton: I push Danny so hard because the boy is great! He has the same gift that his grandfather had, and that I had, too. He loves the mound—he loves the game.
Naomi: Are you sure he loves it, sir?
Carlton: Of course he does. Why else would he be so good?
Naomi: You can go pretty far on a push.
Carlton: I think I know what you’re trying to imply, and you’re wrong. Danny loves the game.
Next Scene
Narrator 1: It’s the top of the fourth inning, and Danny is on the mound. The Titans lead 2-0.
Narrator 2: But by the top of the sixth, Titans lead 2-1.
Carlton: Curveball!
Narrator 3: Danny shakes his head, but Carlton gives a short nod and gestures for him to do it.
Narrator 1: Danny throws a weak pitch, and the batter hits a line drive to center. One runner scores, and then another.
Carlton: What are you doing?! For crying out loud, boy, throw like you mean it!
Narrator 2: Danny sighs, trying—and failing—to block out the sound of his dad’s shouts. By the bottom of the sixth, the Titans are losing 3-2. The other team has a runner on third.
Danny: Dad, take me out. Put Josh in.
Carlton: No way! I’ll lose this game with you on the mound before I’ll put that scrawny kid in.
Narrator 3: On the side, Josh hangs his head.
Danny: Dad. Listen to me. I’m not going to be able to win this game. We have a shot with Josh!
Carlton: Danny, what aren’t you getting here? YOU CAN WIN THIS!
Danny: Josh, get out here! You’re coming in.
Carlton: Josh, sit down. You’re not pitching. Danny’s finishing the game.
Narrator 1: Danny takes off his glove and sets it on the mound. He turns and walks confidently off of the mound, up to his dad.
Carlton: What’s the matter with you?
Danny: It’s you, Dad. The yelling. I can’t pitch with you yelling at me anymore.
Carlton: Yes, you can. The yelling is what you need to pull through! You’ll finish this game!
Narrator 2: Danny just looks at his dad, and gives a tiny shake of his head. Carlton sighs, frustrated. He grabs Danny’s arm and yanks him back to the mound, and forcefully shoves the glove back onto the boy’s hand.
Narrator 3: Danny looks at Josh, and his eyes seem to apologize. With his dad standing right there, ready to grab Danny’s arm and do whatever he needs to do to get his boy to pitch, Danny has no choice but to do what his coach wants.
Narrator 1: He pulls back his arm, and throws as best he can, but…the batter swings, and connects with the ball. The runner on third makes it through to home, and the other team wins.
Carlton: Danny! WHAT WERE YOU DOING OUT THERE?! Now we’re not going to the finals, and it’s YOUR fault!
Narrator 2: The rest of the team crowds around Danny, comforting him.
Josh: Next year, guys!
Narrator 3: The team scatters to meet their rides and go home. Danny walks to his car, and his dad gets in. They ride home in stony silence.
Themes: Stubbornness and inability to see the truth.
Alternate ending
Jack Collins.
Narrator 1: the count is 1 ball and 0 strikes
Narrator 2: Danny throws another ball
Carlton: bad throw
Danny: dang it
Narrator 1: Danny looks up to see his mother and Naomi looking at him very intensely
Narrator 2: Danny throws a fast ball
Narrator 1: it was a strike’
Danny: Yay!
Narrator 2: Danny winds up to throw another pitch
Narrator 1: it was a ball.
Narrator 2: Danny silently cursed to himself
Narrator 1: the count was full, and Danny felt the pressure.
Carlton: come on Danny! Stop being a failure!
Narrator 1: Danny then snapped.
Narrator 2: Danny set down his glove, and walked off the field, all the way home, sat down and drank all the sparkling apple juice in the house, threw up and passed out on the couch.
Sara Ritze 3
4/6/11
Scene: Car ride to the game. Carlton is driving and Danny is in the passenger’s seat neat next to him.
Carlton: Now son, I want you to not cry to me about your arm. Like I always say you have to play through your pain if you want to be the best
Narrator: Danny just sat quietly as they drove. 10 minutes later they arrived.
Scene: The baseball field, it is really hot and the whole team is waiting for Danny.
Danny: Hey guys
Josh: Hey Danny are you pumped for our first game?
Danny: I guess so.
Narrator: The game begins, they were in the bottom of the 9th the titans were leading 9-8. The other team was batting they had 2 outs and the boy batting had 1 strike. 2 more strikes and they will win and the game will be over,
Danny: Coach! My shoulder is giving me some trouble. Put josh in
Carlton/coach: 2more pitches Danny like I said in the car, play with pain come on!
Narrator: Danny pitched
Umpire: BALL ONE!
Carlton: Danny what are you doing! Let’s go now,
Narrator: Danny was annoyed and you could see it on his face, He pitched again.
Umpire: BALL TWO!
Carlton: oh my lord son. What was that you are throwing like a 2 year old lets go.
Katie: Carlton ease up on the kid.
Carlton/Coach: If I do he will lose the game for us!
Danny: Us dad we are winning this game for you it has always been about you. I don’t enjoy this sport anymore because of you and I am done,
Narrator: Danny dropped his glove and stomped off the field and walked over to Naomi.
Danny: Wanna go get some pizza now?
Naomi: I would but I would like to finish watching this game.
Narrator: Danny looked shocked that she would still want to watch this train wreck of a baseball game.
Naomi added: I’m a journalist, I have to,
Narrator: Relief ran upon Danny’s face as he sat and watched. Josh was at the pitcher’s mound, it seemed like he was the only one on the field. Carlton was sitting in the dugout is disbelief and shock. Thinking how could I have let myself do this. Josh pitched.
Umpire: BALL THREE!
Josh mumbling to himself: come on
Danny and Naomi: come on, come on!
Narrator: even Carlton looked nervous as he watched and thought about his actions… Josh pitched.
Umpire: STTTTRIKE TWO!
Narrator: The whole crowd moved to the edge of their seats they knew this could either be the last pitch of the season or the first pitch of the championship, Josh Pitched.
Umpire: STTTTRIKE THREE YOU’RE OUT!!!
Narrator: The crowd went crazy and everyone on the field and in the dugout ran to Josh and hugged and congratulated him.
Danny: YES!
Narrator: Than Danny saw Carlton approaching. He wanted to run away but he stayed.
Carlton: Danny, I know I was wrong and I shouldn’t have been so hard on you I just want the best for you.
Danny: You mean you want what you want. I don’t want this. I am not playing in the Disney World game.
Carlton: I understand I was a fault here and I am sorry.
Danny: It’s alright.
Narrator: The father and son hugged it out.
Danny: Dad?
Carlton: yes?
Danny: Can I still go to Disney world?
Carlton: haha sure.
AlterNet ending claire greve
Danny: I need some relief
Carlton: Come on Danny one more out
Danny: just put Josh in he can do it
Carlton: Get in there boy and get him out
Narr1: Danny walks out to the mound holding his arm
Narr2: Danny looks up at his mom then winds up for a fast ball; he releases the ball and falls to the ground.
Danny: OwwwDAD!
Narr1: Carlton runs out to the field and is calling for Grace then she runs from the crowd they call an ambulance
Danny: It’s my arm it hurts so bad it feels broken
Carlton: I know son I’m sorry I didn’t listen to you it will not happen again.
Grace: here comes the ambulance come on Danny u can get up
Narr1: Danny stands up and the crowd stands with him clapping and cheering “go Danny go!”.
Narr2: Danny wipes the tears from his face and smiles.
New Ending
Sam Tegtmeyer
Narrator 3: It’s the top of the ninth inning now, Danny’s back on the mound. The Titans still have the lead 4 to 3.
Narrator 1: Two outs, and a runner on 2nd
Narrator 2: Danny throws a fastball high and to the left, ball.
Carlton: That’s a pitch? What the heck’s the matter with you, Danny?
Narrator 3: Carlton signs for a curveball, but Danny doesn’t listen.
Narrator 2: Danny throws a change-up and the batter swings and misses. Strike one.
Carlton: Listen to what I say don’t do whatever you feel like!
Narrator 2: Danny winds up and throws a fastball down the center the batter doesn’t swing. Strike two.
Crowd: Go Danny!
Narrator 2: Danny winds up for a fourth time and throws a change-up which drops at the last minute. The batter swings and misses. Strike three. Danny wins the game.
Narrator 1: Danny is picked up by his teammates and his carried off field.
Narrator 2: When Danny is set down he suddenly collapses and faints from pain and fatigue is brought to a hospital.
Danny: Where am I’?
Katie: You’re at the hospital; you collapsed from dehydration and exhaustion.
Carlton: You won’t be pitching for the next game because I have been overworking you.
Katie: and…
Carlton: I’m sorry for treating you that way I just wanted you to do what I couldn’t.
Narrator 1: Naomi rushes into the room.
Naomi: You okay?
Danny: I’m fine still up for that date I think I deserve a little tofu.
Naomi: Anytime.
Theme: Perseverance, Danny pitches in the game until he collapses.
Madison Kenney
Per 3
Team 8-5
Narr 3: It’s the top of the ninth inning now, and Danny’s back on the mound. The Titans still lead 4 to 3
Narr 1: Two outs one runner on.
Narr 2: Danny winds up hurls a fastball – and hit the batter.
Carlton: what was that I think I could but out my grandma and she could throw better.
Narr 3: Danny look and the run and then see the coach tell Josh to warm up
Josh: Yes sir.
Narr 1: Josh grabs Billy Bob off the bench to warm him up
Narr2: The batter walk up slow looking and the score knowing he need to a great hit to get a runner home. He looks to his coach and the coach is giving him the signs he sees the sign it was hit away.
Carlton: Get your head in this game or I pulling you out.
Narr 2: Danny is throwing. First one strike and the next one is a ball
Narr 1: The next hit a going in to the gap in between right field and center
Narr 3: The game is now tied Danny’s dad is heading to the mound
Danny: Take me out now. Dad I don’t have enough power to throw
Carlton: No I am keeping you in this game I know you have enough power come
Danny: Fine, I will stay in.
Carlton: Good all we need it one out
Danny: Fine, now go away dad
Narr 2: Danny throws the ball, Strike
Narr 1: Next throw one ball strike
Narr 3: STIKE 3!!!
Umpire: You’re out!
Narr 2: Game over the Loins wins! Lions are going to Florida.
Carlton: Thanks Danny we lost
Danny: Can we still go to Florida
Carlton: No are you kidding me we are not going to Florida we lost the game for us.
Sarah Draper
Alternate Ending:
Scene 11:
Narrator 1: It’s the top of the ninth inning now, and Danny is back on the mound. The Titans still lead 4-3. Two outs. One runner on. Danny winds up, hurls a fastball and hits the batter.
Carlton: What was that!? Throw like you want it, son!
Narr 3: Danny bows his head as the runner takes first. He tries to focus, but can’t put his heart in it. He doesn’t seem to care.
Narr 2: The next batter steps up and crouches low to shrink the strike zone.
Carlton: Get your head in the game, Danny! What are you doing?
Narr 3: Danny looks up to his dad, then his mom, then Naomi, and finally back to the batter.
Narr 1: He winds up and throws a curve ball!
CRACK!
Narr 2: Danny collapsed to the ground.
Crowd gasps
Carlton: SON! Are you okay? Oh no, not the arm!
Danny: I think I broke something…
Carlton: Somebody call an ambulance!
Katie: Danny, Danny, are you okay?
Carlton: He’ll be okay. It’s his elbow. The sooner we get him to the hospital the better. I can hear the ambulance now.
Scene 12:
Narr 3: The family rides to the hospital behind the ambulance with Naomi.
Naomi: Is he going to be okay, sir? This is going to make front page, for sure!
Carlton: He will hopefully be fine.
Katie: Let’s just hope for the best.
Doctor: Hello, Mr. Somers, I’m Dr. Smith and I have just taken a couple x-rays of your son’s arm. It seems he has fractured his right elbow.
Carlton: Thank you, Doctor. What will you have to do?
Doctor: He will have a cast for 3-6 weeks then a big brace for even longer. He will go to therapy for 5-6 months as well.
Katie: Oh my gosh, I didn’t realize it was this bad.
Doctor: It sounds worse than it actually is, Mrs. Somers.
Katie: Oh, thank goodness.
Narr 1: Naomi’s parents call and need her home, so Katie Somers takes her.
Narr 3: Carlton stays with his son and talks to the Doctor. Dr. Smith says that Danny will stay overnight for observation and then can leave in the morning.
Carlton: Okay Danny, we will see you in the morning.
Danny: Bye Dad!
By: Daniel Luddeke
Strike Alternative Ending
Narrator 1: It was the Top of the 9th inning and Danny was at the mound pitching. The batter had 1 strike and 1 ball and there were already 2 outs.
Carlton: “Come on Danny bring this guy back to the dugout!” “Come on pitch the ball already”
Narrator 2: Carlton made the sign for a curveball and that is what Danny threw.
Umpire: “Strike 2!”
Carlton: “Good, Good now get the third strike and we are on our way to Florida!”
Danny: “I think we should give josh a turn at the mound; my arm is killing me any way!”
Carlton: “Danny just tough it out!”
Danny: “No, let him pitch or I am leaving!”
Carlton “Fine, Come on out josh and pitch us to Florida!”
Narrator 1: Josh runs out onto the mound and Danny gives him a high five. The game was 4 to 5 (One player on 3rd) and the crowd/players were on their feet. Josh winds up throws the ball and it is a ball.
Aaron and Carlton: “Come on Josh what was that!”
Josh: “I’ve got this, I have a good feeling!”
Narrator 2: Josh steps back, winds his arm ready to throw a fastball and throws away. The batter smacks it with the bat and the opposing team gets a home run, making the score 6 to 5. Josh strikes out the next player and the Titans go up to bat. The opposing team strikes 3 players out without 1 person even reaching first base, the titans had lost the big game.
Josh: “You guys must think I am the worst player ever!”
Danny and the rest of the team: “No, this was a team effort and it was all of our faults and we all lost, not just you.”
Josh: “Thanks guys for being understanding.”
Narrator 2: Carlton and Aaron walk over from chatting and begin to talk to the team.
Carlton: “Way to go Josh you lost the big game for all of us, and you to Danny if it wasn’t for your demands we never would have had this happen and…”
Narrator 2: Aaron interrupted Carlton.
Aaron: “This was a team effort Carlton; do not criticize each player for what they did wrong. They played an amazing game and we as a team just messed up a bit toward the end, good job to the entire team!”
Carlton: “You know what, I am sorry Josh and Danny, Aaron is right, you all played and amazing game and it was a team effort. I am very proud of you all, way to go.”
Zach Von Holle
Scene 9
Narrator 2: It was the morning of the game. When Danny woke up and he got ready for the game
Carlton: Are you ready for the game?
Danny: Yes!
Scene 10:
Narrator: when they got to the game every one was warming up. Danny was throwing with Josh. Danny hurt his arm really bad.
Danny: Dad I can’t pitch today. I hurt my arm really bad. You have to put Josh in.
Carlton: No! You are pitching no matter what.
Narrator: So the game stared and Carlton made Danny pitch. After the third inning the Titans were down 3 to 1.
Danny: Dad I can’t pitch anymore you have to put Josh in.
Carlton: No you are pitching!
Danny: Josh, go get warmed up
Josh: Ok!
Narrator: The next inning came and Danny would not go out on the mound and pitch. So Carlton was forced to put Josh in
Carlton: Come on Josh let’s go!
Narrator: the ninth inning came and the Titans were up by 1 run and Josh was pitching a great game. It was the last batter of the game. The winning run was up to bat. Josh threw a curveball and the kid hit a fly ball towards center and the center fielder was running to get it and he dove and caught it the Titans won
Carlton: Wow, Josh really can throw
Danny: Yes
Carlton: sorry I should have listened to you
Josh: Danny, thanks for letting me pitch
Danny: No problem.
STRIKE! (Rewritten)
By: Brett Schubert
Danny: I’m pretty excited for the game. What about you, dad?
Carlton: Yeah son. I think we might pull a win out of this game if you play your hardest.
Danny: So are you ready to go?
Carlton: Yep, let’s go son.
Danny: is it ok if Naomi comes with?
Carlton: Is Naomi that girl that watches all of our games and practices?
Danny: Yeah, that girl.
Carlton: That’s fine.
Narrator 1: As they approach the field to get ready for the game, Carlton and Danny noticed Naomi standing there on the sideline.
Danny: Hey Naomi. I really didn’t think you would show up.
Naomi: Yeah. I decided to come and root the Titans on.
Danny: Well I have to go. See you later.
Carlton: Alright boys. We have to win this game. This is one of the biggest games of our lives. We will go to Florida for the national championship if we try our best and win.
Team: Yes sir. We’ll win.
Narrator 2: Danny steps on the mound for the first pitch and throws a curveball for a strike. As he keeps the pace of good pitching, he ends the inning.
Narrator 3: By the 4th inning, the Titans are in the lead 2-0. The Titans opponent is not looking too good so far in the game.
Carlton: Let’s go Danny. If you keep this up, we’ll be heading to Florida in no time.
Narrator 1: Danny seemed a bit tense standing up on the mound with his dad screaming at him the whole time.
In the 6th inning, the Titans are able to push the lead up to 3-0.
Carlton: Atta boy Danny. This is how you play the game!
Narrator 2: Danny begins to get very tired as he thought 6 innings felt like 6 months.
Danny: Come on Danny, you can do this. I know a power hitter is up to bat, but all you have to do is keep it low and away to keep him thinking.
Narrator 1: The power hitter Greg for the opposing team hit a shot to left-center field that went at least 50 feet over the fence.
Narrator 2: This home run put the score to 3-1 Titans.
Josh: Come on Danny. All you have to do is pitch away so they can’t get a homerun like that last hit.
In the bottom of the 9th, the opposing team was up to bat.
Narrator 3: The first pitch happened to be a single to left-center field. The next batter was up; Johnny. This boy is a very strong hitter.
Narrator 1: CRACK! He nails a base hit that knocked the man on second to 3rd base.
Carlton: Danny! What are you doing? This is insane. Get your act together.
Narrator 2: STEERRRRRIIIKKKKEEEEE 1!!
STEERRRRRIIIKKKKEEEEE 2!
The count is 0 and 2 and all of the pressure is on Danny for this last pitch.
Carlton: Stay focused. That’s all that matters.
Narrator 3: Danny throws a fast curve right down the line and CRACK! The star hitter for the opposing team hits a smash to deep center field and it was a HOME RUN!
Carlton: Come on Danny! Way to go! You just lost the game for the team!
Narrator 2: The opposing team has won the game and is moving on to Florida for the National championship. That’s just too bad for the Titans.
THE END
Strike
By Jack Justice
My new ending to this story would start before they go to the last game.
Scene 10
Narrator 1: Danny and his father were about to leave when suddenly Danny finally got the courage to speak up to his dad.
Danny: Dad, I love you but I really don’t like baseball. It’s not my dream to go to the big league. I don’t want to go on any longer. Dad I’m not going to the baseball game today Mom, Naomi, and me are all going to go to the movies. Tell Josh to fill in for me. Have fun at the game dad I’m sorry.
Carlton: no Danny, I’m sorry I didn’t know you didn’t love baseball. You could have just told me. I would have understood
Danny: I should have but I was scared.
Carlton: Son, you can tell me anything. Alright, you have fun at the movie; tell me all about it when you get home.
Danny: I will and thanks Dad.
Narrator 2: Then the both parted. Danny climbed into his mother’s car and Danny’s dad slid in his. Then they drove off.
THE END
The point of my ending was he should have told his dad earlier and before the game.
Angel Spanos
New Ending
Narr 3: It’s the top of the ninth inning now, and Danny’s back on the mound. The Titans still lead 4 to 3.
Narr 1: Two outs. One runner on.
Narr 2: Danny winds up, hurls a fastball-and hits the batter.
Carlton: That’s a pitch? What the heck’s the matter with you, Danny?
Narr 3: Danny bows his head as the runner takes first. Coach Aaron turns to Josh.
Aaron: Go warm up your arm, just in case.
Narr 1: Josh grabs a player and starts throwing pitches.
Narr 2: The next batter steps up and crouches low to shrink the strike zone.
Carlton: Get your head back in the game.
Narr 3: Danny winds up for the pitch and delivers a fastball, low and away. Ball one.
Carlton: Come on, already!
Narr 1: Danny reads the call from Tyler. Curveball. He winds up and throws…strike!
Carlton: There you go.
Narr 2: And right away, another strike.
Crowd: Go, Danny!
Narr 3: One ball, tow strikes. Danny’s next pitch is a dud.
Carlton: What do you call that? A dirt ball?
Narr1: Danny sighs. All the energy is drained from his arm, and drained from his heart, too.
Narr 2: He winds up and lets fly a changeup. High and to the right. Ball three.
Carlton: Are you giving them the game?
Katie: Ease up on him, Carlton! He’s doing his best.
Carlton: I’ve coached the boy since he was a baby. I know what he needs to hear. Buckle down, Danny. Let’s win this.
Narr 3: The count is full. Two outs. Runners at first and second. Danny looks at the batter. He looks at his father.
Narr 1: Then he looks up into the stands. He sees Naomi. And he sees his mom.
Narr 2: He looks from his mom to his dad and back again. She shakes her head, an apology for all the times she didn’t come.
Carlton: Let’s go, Danny. Ice this game!
Narr 3: Danny steps to the mound, but then he steps back.
Carlton: What the heck’s he doing?
Aaron: I think he wants to talk.
Narr 1: Carlton stomps out onto the field and up to Danny. He motions with his hands as if to say, what gives?
Danny: I need some relief.
Carlton: One more out, Danny. Then you’re done.
Danny: Bring Josh in. Let him close.
Carlton: This is your moment. You can tough it out. Play through the pain.
Danny: It’s not just my arm.
Carlton: What are you talking about?
Danny: It’s you. The yelling. I can’t pitch anymore.
Carlton: I’ll lower my coaching, just finish the game.
Danny: Dad, I’m asking you to pull me out. Put Josh in.
Carlton: No. One good pitch, Danny. One good pitch takes the team to the nationals. Now dig down and find it.
Narr 2: Carlton turns away from Danny and heads back to the dugout.
Narr 3: Danny heads back to the mound, lightly holding his arm.
Narr 1: Danny gets ready to make the pitch, and then using all he has left in him he throws the last ball, and strike!
Narr 2: The Titans win the game! But Danny doesn’t look ok; instead he is now gripping his arm tightly.
Narr 3: Carlton runs out to meet his son in deep pain.
Carlton: What’s the matter with you? We just won the game!
Danny: It’s my arm. I can barely move it.
Narr 1: Danny is taken to the hospital, and realizes he has pulled the muscles in his arm, and badly enough that he now needs surgery.
Narr 2: After the procedure Danny goes through extensive therapy to use his arm again.
Carlton: Hey, you’re doing great; you can get back into baseball soon.
Danny: No, Dad, I’m never playing again.
Jamie Haas
Alternate Ending
Scene 11:
Narrator 1: It’s the bottom of the ninth inning. The Titans are in the field, up by 3. Danny is on the pitcher’s mound.
Carlton: Come on Danny! Just 2 more strikes on this batter!
Danny: Dad I don’t think I can pitch anymore. Put Josh In please! My shoulders going to blow out.
Carlton: No, Danny, we’re 2 batters away from winning just suck it up! You’ll be fine.
Narrator 2: Danny was fed up with his dad, and decided to walk off the field. As he walked into the dugout, he handed his glove to Josh.
Danny: Make me proud, Josh.
Carlton: What are you doing Danny! Get back in the game!
Danny: No, Dad, I told you, my arm is going to blow out.
Narrator 3: Josh sat on the bench for a little bit. Then he walked on to the field and warmed up. When the next batter came in the box, STRIKE! STRIKE! STRIKE!
Umpire: BATTER’S OUT!
Danny: Great job, Josh! Just one more batter!
Narrator 4: The last batter came in to the box, Josh had another strike out. The Titans won the game!
Biz Imm
Scene 11
Narr 3: It’s the 9th inning and the titans still lead.
Narr 1: Danny goes to throw his first pitch of the inning. He releases the ball and the crowd gasped when the batter hit the ball straight into left field.
Carlton: You better catch that ball Clay.
Narr 2: A sigh went through the crowd. The outfielder missed it and now the batter was on 3rd.
Carlton: What kind of throw was that Danny?
Danny: Sorry dad I’ll try harder on the next one.
Narr 3: The next batter stepped up to the plate.
Narr 1: Danny threw the ball as best as he could.
Umpire: Strike 1.
Carlton: That’s better Danny.
Narr 2: The crowd went wild.
Narr 3: Danny threw 3 more balls.
Carlton: Let’s go Danny. Don’t give up on us now.
Narr 1: Danny threw one more ball. The batter walked. You could see the pain Danny was going through just by looking at him.
Narr 2: Third and first both have people on it. No outs.
Narr 3: After 5 minutes of terrible pitching and 2 runs Carlton finally goes to talk to Danny.
Carlton: What is wrong with you this whole thing is ruined.
Danny: Put Josh in. I can’t pitch anymore.
Carlton: No suck it up.
Narr 1: After Carlton left the mound the batter hit it right to the outfield. The outfielder caught it. It looked like things were going to better. Only 2 more outs.
Narr 2: Finally they got another out when the batter hit it to the first baseman. One out to go.
Narr 3: Now the score it 4 to 5 the other team took the lead.
Narr 1: Danny released the ball. The batter swung the bat. The bat hit the ball and went straight for Danny, and he caught it. The crowd went wild.
Carlton: That’s how you do it Danny.
Narr 2: The whole team piled on top of Danny in celebration.
Carlton: All you need to do is make 2 runs. Can you handle that?
Narr 3: The whole team cheered. The titans were at bat. They had a 1 2 3 inning and lost.
Reworked ending
By: Dante Marcon
Narrator: it’s the morning of the big game and Danny has folded the laundry. Katie walks into the dining room as Danny has left for the game. As she enters she finds the pleasant surprise of folded laundry.
Narrator: It’s the top of the fourth and Danny is on the mound titans up 2-0. Two outs two on, No balls and a strike. Danny throws a change up the batter swings. Strikeeeee two the umpire calls. For a faint moment he hears a familiar voice cheering from the crowd, Katie.
Narrator: he looks up and sees his mom take a seat in the sea of people as she smiles at him. Danny’s next pitch is a fast ball that zooms by the batter. Strikeeee three the umpire yells.
Narrator it’s the top of the sixth the titans lead 2-1 with one out with a runner on first and third Tyler relays the call from his dad. It’s a curve ball. Danny tries to say no but reluctantly gives up to Tyler and his dads demands.
Narrator: it’s a weak pitch which allows a line drive to center a runner scores and another makes it to third when Danny gets the ball and holds him there
Coach: start throwing like I know you can!
Narrator: it’s the top of the ninth 3-2 titans holding to their lead. One runner on second and Danny throws a weak fastball and the batter cracks it out to left field for a home run. After the play Danny is rushed to the hospital his arm is severely damaged. Danny’s dad runs in to the hospital room to talk to Danny.
Danny’s dad: Danny I’m so sorry I pushed you that hard; I just wanted a better life for you.
Danny: I know dad.
Narrator: Danny forgave his dad but couldn’t play baseball for the rest of the school year; Danny and his dad have never been closer.
THE REWRITE! By: Jack Wantz
Plot- Danny, who is a very talented pitcher for his baseball team, is pushed to the limits by his father, who yells at him and never gives him a break. So in an important game, he refuses to pitch in the 9th inning and lets his friend pitch. This game takes place in the Nation Finals in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Carlton: DANNY!!!! I swear if you don’t strike this kid out, you are grounded for a month!
Narrator: Danny throws his first pitch, it’s a ball
Danny: ARE YOU SERIOUS UMP! That was a strike
Umpire: Shut up and play the game kid
Carlton: Let’s go Danny
Narrator: Danny catches the ball and when he goes into his windup, he feels a pop! He calls time
Danny: Dad, I felt a pop. I can’t pitch anymore; I am playing with too much pain
Carlton: Well to bad. We will give you medicine later.
Narrator: Danny shakes his head a walks back to the plate. He winds up and throws the ball, but his elbow and shoulder both pop and he yells in pain.
Danny: OW!!!!!!!
Narrator: But the pitch is slow and the batter hits the ball with all his might. The ball is a line drive and hits Danny in the head and he blacks out. Danny wakes up in the hospital an hour later.
Danny: What happened?
Carlton: You lost the game for us. The Doctor says you dislocated your elbow and shoulder, and you have dehydration and a concussion.
Narrator: Naomi walks into the room
Naomi: Well, I don’t think you will be playing baseball for a long buddy boy
Danny: No way. I am never playing again. NEVER EVER!
Carlton: Whatever Danny, I never want to see you again!
Narrator: Carlton runs out of the room and drives away in the car
Danny: I am going back to bed. Good Night
Naomi: Alright Danny, have a nice sleep
Narrator: As Danny falls asleep, Naomi reaches out and squeezes his hand and then Danny squeezes back, right before he falls into a very relaxing sleep